[Structural reorganization of the main joint components during the experimental modeling of osteoarthrosis with...

The reactive changes in the knee synovium, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone during osteoarthrosis modeling were studied in dogs (n = 5). The results of histomorphometry, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis have demonstrated that the osteoarthrosis model used (femoral artery ligation and the knee immobilization) lead to marked synovitis, axonal atrophy and nerve fiber degeneration in subsynovial nerves, as well as synovial membrane hypovascularization. Subchondral bone vascularization was shown to deteriorate, while calcium content was reduced. Destructive changes were detected in the articular cartilage. Chondrocytes of the intermediate zone which were equidistant from vascular and synovial sources of supply appeared to be the most vulnerable. The changes described are the consequences of the disturbed interactions of the main joint components indicating the reduction of synthesis with a predominance of catabolic processes.